You’ll love the bands at the the Swanage Folk Festival, a diverse mixture of folk styles from modern folk rock to more traditional. Many people come just to see their favourite band.
Some concerts are free, for others you’ll need to buy a ticket. Most of the concerts are played in Sandpit field (number 1 on the map), check the location of the acts you’re interested in.
Click on any of the entries below to get more information. At the bottom of this page is a map of the festival locations.
Merry Hell is an eight-piece folk-rock band from the North West of England, with a history, a pedigree and a bright future. They are festival favourites, their first two albums finding favour with critics, broadcasters and music fans alike.
Kathryn Tickell brings her stellar band to the stage. World-class musicianship conjures up the spirit of ancient Northumbria, featuring pipes, fiddle, accordion, harp and voices.
Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys are one of the best live acts in the UK, packing out festival tents and venues the world over since they started in 2016.
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, from Dartmoor, Devon, have long established themselves as one of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships.
Strong melodies with intelligent lyrics, both humorous and poignant, from entertaining singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Den Miller.
The Carrivick Sisters are one of British folk’s best loved duos. They have a passion for old stories, American folk music and a good cup of tea. They were finalists in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2010 & named Band/Duo of the Year in the 2011 FATEA Awards
Canterbury based singer songwriter Luke Jackson has been playing live for 10+ years, with an great reputation in the Folk, Roots, Americana & Acoustic circuits.
Thorn and Roses are a three part harmony group, having been together for 22 plus years. They’re performing at this year’s Swanage Folk Festival.
The Salts are one of the most exciting and energetic folk concepts of recent times. A unique sound that mixes well written original compositions alongside classic traditional tunes.
Anglo-Scottish duo Janice Burns & Jon Doran have a shared love of traditional music.
Magpie Lane is a five-piece folk band from Oxford, who specialise in traditional English songs and dance tunes.
Keith Slater has been on national TV shows like The Barmaids Arms , Pebble Mill at One, The Tom O’Connor show, and The Phil Cool Show. Keith is a first class, self-contained Guitar / Vocalist who specialises in providing quality music.
KRELYS bring together trad and contemporary Irish tunes and songs, using compelling arrangements allowing the music to shine.
Bring your uke and playalong with Purbeck U3A Ukuleles, a joyous mixed ability group.
One of the UK’s leading American roots-inspired music acts, this Old-Time country string band expect percussive Appalachian stepdance, humour & championship fiddling.
This session is a fabulous opportunity for 16-23 year olds to perform on stage. We’re even offering some training for you in the weeks before the Festival. Great to listen to, great to join in with.
Enjoy these duets from the Hungarian folk tradition mixed in with some English folk; played by Nurit Stark and Marc Danel.
The Melrose Quartet have a reputation for music that connects with people. They’re internationally renowned singers, instrumentalists and writer/composers.
British Folk duo Honey & the Bear will lead you through Suffolk folklore in song. Joined by the much celebrated Toby Shaer on Fiddle and Flutes/whistles.